BLUEBERRY SNAIL | VIVIPARUS SP.

Blueberry Snails (Viviparus sp.) are unique freshwater snails prized for their beautiful blue, gray, or purplish shells that resemble the color of blueberries. Unlike common Mystery or Nerite snails, Blueberry Snails are livebearing species—meaning they give birth to fully formed baby snails instead of laying eggs. This makes them fascinating to observe and less likely to leave unsightly egg clusters around your tank.

They typically grow to about 1–1.5 inches and prefer cool to moderate water temperatures between 68–78°F with a pH around 7.0–8.0. Blueberry Snails thrive in well-oxygenated tanks with sand or fine gravel substrate and plenty of natural algae or biofilm to graze on. They are gentle, plant-safe cleaners that help remove soft algae and leftover food without disturbing live plants or décor.

These snails do best in peaceful community tanks with small fish, shrimp, and other non-aggressive tankmates. Because they have opercula (trapdoors) that close their shells completely, they’re more protected than many other snail types. To support their shell health, provide adequate calcium in the water and supplement their diet with algae wafers, spirulina pellets, or blanched vegetables if natural algae are limited.

Blueberry Snails are ideal for aquarists seeking a hardy, low-maintenance, and visually stunning addition to their freshwater setup.